Nonlinear-finite-element analysis of reactive powder concrete columns subjected to eccentric compressive load

Abstract

Abstract Studies on the behavior of reactive powder concrete (RPC) columns under eccentric loading are limited. The effect of materials used in manufacturing these RPC columns has not yet been investigated. This research aimed to perform a nonlinear-finite-element analysis to determine the load-carrying capacity and displacement of RPC columns made of different RPC mixes and subjected to various loading eccentricities. This research investigates two types of parameters. The first parameter is the column’s geometric parameters (the height L and the load eccentricity distance e). The second is the RPC material parameter (regarding the silica fume or fly ash used as pozzolanic material and the type of fibers used, whether steel or glass fiber). Results indicate that eccentric-loaded slender columns exhibit much less load-carrying capacity than the corresponding short columns. The 2 m-long columns with eccentricity ratio e/t = 0.2 resulted in a 65% average reduction in the ultimate load (Pu) compared to the corresponding 1 m-long columns. Using fly ash as a pozzolanic material instead of silica fume reduces the ultimate load (Pu) of an RPC column by an average of 60%. Using glass fibers instead of steel fibers also reduced Pu by 50%. The average percentage increase in the maximum vertical deflection (Δy max) of the short column (L = 1 m) is found in the range of 18–31% for eccentricity ratio e/t = 0.1 but 45–69% for e/t = 0.2. In contrast, for a slender column (L = 2 m), the percentage increase in Δy max is in the range of 10–30% for both e/t = 0.1 and 0.2.